Other Red Varietals

Other red varietal wines include Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Grenache, Malbec, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.  Many of these are blended with the major red varietals to add flavor and structure, but several are making great names for themselves as varietal wines in their own right.

Cabernet Franc (cab-air-nay frahnk) is lighter in color and tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and has appealing blueberry character.

Carignane (cah-reen-yawn) has high acidity and firm tannins, adding structure to many blends.

Grenache (grin-ahsh) has hearty, peppery character that provides the backbone for many rosés and red blends.

Malbec (mahl-beck) brings deep color, ample tannin and plum and blueberry character to red blends; it’s gaining popularity as its own varietal, too.

Mourvedre (more-veh-dreh) gives red wines—especially Rhône varietals like Syrah—rich, earthy character.

Petite Sirah (peh-teet see-rah) has inky dark red color as well as intense tannins that help support Zinfandel in blends.

Petit Verdot (peh-tee vair-doh) is a classic Bordeaux varietal that adds color, flavor and tannins to red blends.

Sangiovese (san-gee-oh-veh-seh) is the dominant wine of Tuscany; it has dry, hearty black cherry character.

Tempranillo (tem-prah-nee-yoh) is the main grape of Spain’s Rioja wines. It’s hearty, acidic and full bodied.